"Latrell is a great hire for us because of his work ethic, his terrific ability to relate to our players, his energy, and his ability to coach and get the absolute best out of players," said Bennett. "It is also a great situation because my dad recruited him to Wisconsin and he has been part of the Bennett family for a long time. I am so happy to bring him aboard and so is the rest of our staff. It is a great feeling knowing how well we work together."

Fleming comes to Northern Illinois after spending the 2012-13 season as the video coordinator at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Prior to joining the Panthers' staff, Fleming spent six years coaching the WBA Prestige of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where he assisted in the development of some of the top players in the state.

"When coach Bennett offered me the job, I thought it was a great opportunity to work with a great group of people at a great university," said Fleming. " I spent four years under Bo Ryan as a student assistant at Wisconsin before coaching one of the top AAU teams in the Midwest. I was able to develop ties with AAU and high school coaches in the area and I think that will help me on the recruiting trail."

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Fleming was recruited by Bennett's father, Dick, however, his playing career at Wisconsin ended before it began when he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disorder generally characterized by the enlargement of the heart muscle and the thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. Fleming remained with the Badgers, serving as a student assistant under head coach Bo Ryan from 2001-06.